MA Human Services - Exercise Science

Application Deadline and Requirements

  • Aug. 19, 2013: Fall 2013 term application deadline (classes start Aug. 26, 2013)
  • Dec. 31, 2013: Spring 2014 term application deadline (classes start Jan. 8, 2014)
  • Admission criteria
  • No GRE required.

Study Option

  • Blended/Hybrid: Some classes are online and some classes are on campus (just 10 miles from downtown Chicago).

Program Overview

The aim of the master of arts in human service (exercise science) program at Concordia University is to provide a broad-based body of knowledge in related fields in order to meet the expressed needs of human services personnel in exercise science and fitness centers, both within and outside hospital settings. Graduate students receive a high quality educational program that emphasizes Christian beliefs. The program also recognizes, values, and encourages the development of skills and competencies that will be needed throughout the candidate’s career as in the field.

Program Objectives

The Human Services: Exercise Science program is designed to equip persons seeking entry-level positions and for professionals, who desire to upgrade their positions within the field of exercise science, allows for a tailor-made curriculum combining traditional human service skills with an emphasis in health and wellness. This program is designed to enable students to:

  • Pursue the increasing opportunities to assist people with health and wellness issues in various settings including, but not limited to, hospital and corporate settings.
  • Acquire a core of knowledge related to the realm of exercise science with an emphasis on skills related to helping professions.
  • Develop competency and caregiving skills for use in exercise management settings.
  • Assume positions in various health care services where management, consultation, referral skills or administration are major job responsibilities.

Required Courses (12 hours)

PES-6100 Contemporary Issues in Health and Wellness (3 hours)

PES-6991 Internship: Exercise Science (3 hours)

PSY-6495 Administration of Human Services (3 hours)

Focus on structure of programs, financial and legal concerns, agency management, evaluation of services and planning.

Choose one:

THY-6400 The Christian in Society (3 hours)

Christian vocation in contemporary, pluralistic culture. The role of faith, ethical decision-making and the life of service in the diverse social structures of the world and Church. Particular attention given to education and the helping professions. This course may not be taken to fulfill requirements in Section A, Theological Foundations or the Master of Arts in Religion program.

SOW-6100 Ethical Issues in the Helping Profession (3 hours)

An analysis of ethical, legal, and professional concerns in the human services field, with special emphasis on developing an ethical decision making framework.

Development

Select one:

PES-6431 Physical Growth and Motor Development (3 hours)

Physical growth, motor skill acquisition and learning and motor performance primarily from infancy through adolescence with emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review on the principles of motor development.

PSY-6000 Counseling and Human Development (3 hours)

PSY-6050 Adult Development and Aging (3 hours)

This course promotes integrity as students acquire attitudes and skills that promote the understanding of adult development with special attention paid to the aging process. It further promotes integrity as students learn to suspend judgment and draw various fields together in order to understand and provide quality care services to the aging population with sensitivity to cultural differences. Students obtain the knowledge of techniques and research while attaining competency in the timely use of various person-centered interventions. As knowledge and competency develop, a sense of confidence and leadership is cultivated.

Counseling

Select one course (3 hours): One 6000 level course with PSY or CED prefix

Research and Assessment

Select one course:

PES-6740 Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance (3 hours)

Theory, practice, and analysis of tests and evaluation procedures related to the study of human performance with emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review.

PSY-6030 Research in Psychology (3 hours)

Introduces the purpose, methods, and ethics for conducting and interpreting research in psychology and behavioral sciences. Emphasis on understanding research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment and program evaluation allowing the development of necessary knowledge to critique research studies.

PSY-6800 Advanced Research in Psychology (3 hours)

Provides students opportunities to demonstrate comprehension and implementation of research methodology by conducting a study in collaboration with a sponsoring faculty member. Participate in an ongoing study or construct a novel design. Literature review, research methodology in practice, sample selection, data collection, selection of appropriate statistics, data entry, analysis of results, development of discussion sections. Preparation for doctoral work in psychology and careers in academic or research settings.

FPR-7610 Quantitative Analysis (3 hours)

An introduction to the quantitative analysis of data; including data coding and entry of data. PASW statistics will be used to explore descriptive and inferential statistics: using both non-parametric and initial parametric techniques. Formerly EDL-6110.

Electives (12 hours)

Choose courses from the list below or from those courses not chosen in section above:

PES-6123 Nutrition for Human Performance (3 hours)

Presentation and application of appropriate foundational nutrition relative to exercise, the reduction of disease, body composition, and weight control with emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review. Prerequisites: PES-3400, PES-4101/BIO-4100, or permission of instructor.

PES-6210 Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription (3 hours)

Techniques for conducting fitness assessments and developing exercise prescriptions. Prepares the practitioner to develop personal fitness programs based on the results of fitness assessments and other relevant information and apply those techniques to clients during the course of the semester. Computer applications. Prerequisite: PES-3400 or equivalent.

PES-6410 Biomechanics

Function of the skeletal, articular, and neuromuscular systems in producing efficient movement. Application of mechanical principles in performing sport skills, dance, and adaptive activities with an emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review. Prerequisite:PES-3400 or consent of instructor.

PES-6420 Physiology of Exercise

Scientific basis for the development of physical fitness and conditioning programs. Bioenergetics of human movement; physiological adaptations during and following exercise with emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review. Prerequisite: PES-3400 or consent of instructor.

PES-6431 Physical Growth and Motor Development

Physical growth, motor skill acquisition and learning and motor performance primarily from infancy through adolescence with emphasis on developing a comprehensive literature review on the principles of motor development.

PES-6970 Independent Research (1-3 hours)

PES-6980 Exercise Science and Fitness Management Practicum

Capstone Experience (0-6 hours)